At the 2025 Summer Davos in Dalian, a standout session titled "Where's the Capital for Climate?" brought together top voices to tackle the trillion-dollar challenge of climate finance.
From COP29 Commitments to a Wider Gap
Delegates celebrated a landmark $300 billion in annual commitments from COP29 to support emerging economies and stronger oversight of carbon credit trading. Yet panelists warned that the true gap runs into the trillions of dollars if the world is to meet urgent climate targets.
Voices from the Frontlines
- James Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya's minister of energy and petroleum, highlighted the need for catalytic finance in Africa, calling for risk guarantees to draw private investors into green infrastructure.
- Liu Zhenmin, the Chinese special envoy for climate change, emphasized cross-border partnerships and streamlined regulations to accelerate project pipelines in developing markets.
- Nonkululeko Nyembezi, chair of Standard Bank Group (South Africa), underlined the role of commercial banks in extending credit to small and medium enterprises driving renewable solutions.
- Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO of Alterra, pointed to innovative instruments like green bonds and blended finance to unlock fresh pools of capital at scale.
Bridging the Divide
Speakers agreed that combining public guarantees with private capital, leveraging blended finance models, and enhancing transparency in carbon markets can help bridge the shortfall. Closing the loop will require bold policy frameworks and creative financing to mobilize the trillions needed for a net-zero future.
As the forum concluded, young entrepreneurs and investors left inspired—and challenged—to translate dialogue into action, proving that the real currency of climate progress is collaboration at every level.
Reference(s):
Watch: Summer Davos session – 'Where's the Capital for Climate?'
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